Aconitum zigzag subsp. kishidae ("Hakubabushi")

Japanese name: ハクバブシ （白馬附子）
Scientific name: Aconitum zigzag subsp. kishidae

[Overview]
A member of the Torikabuto group, a pseudo-annual 1 m tall, found at forest edges and in grasslands from the mountains to the subalpine zone.
The stem usually rises obliquely, bends in a zigzag, and branches well.
There are basal leaves and stem leaves; the basal leaves and the leaves on the lower part of the stem have withered by flowering time.
The stem leaves are alternate, reniform-rounded, palmately divided into 3 lobes.
The margins of the leaf lobes are notched.
A short corymb or panicle bears 1–10 bluish purple flowers.
The 5 sepals are petal-like, and the uppermost one is shaped like a helmet.
The helmet is mitre-shaped, with a short beak.
The petals are inside the helmet and have a thick, long spur.
The spur bends nearly 360 degrees.
The stamens are hairy.
The flower stalks are hairless.
The fruit is a follicle, ascending obliquely.

[Notes]
The Japanese name comes from the fact that the first specimen was obtained on Mount Shirouma.

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